Ask Susie: Spas for Singles

Question:

I have been trying to plan a vacation for myself in August and thought maybe I could find a spa-type place to go. I am a single mom (age 43), not into the typical “singles” scene, but don’t want to go somewhere there will be lots of families.  I love outdoor activities (snorkeling, hiking, etc). I love fitness classes and just doing things I haven’t tried before. I like to be in a group with organized activities rather than try to go it alone. I would love to go to the Caribbean, British Virgin Islands, somewhere tropical, but not too quiet and sedentary. I am not sure about Mexico at this time. I would like something economical and not looking for gaudy, just classy and fun. I would fly from Newark, NJ or in that area.”

Thanks for your help,

KG

Answer:

Hi KG,

Fun, classy, and spa-like – sounds like my kind of place too! The Caribbean has some nice options, Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa (Bermuda), BodyHoliday at LeSPORT (St. Lucia), and Parrot Cay (Turks and Caicos) are just a few of my favorites.

You said you weren’t sure about Mexico, so I wanted to let you in on a little secret. That’s where our SpaFinder.com editors have been traveling lately and they are raving about the opportunities available. If you know where to go, Mexico is a wonderful destination for all of the things you mention above.   Here are a few suggestions:

Grand Velas Riviera Maya: This luxury resort is currently offering a 30% discount on accommodations – and you receive a complimentary 60-minute spa service! Daily rates are around $500+ per night. All-inclusive is the way to go here, with many specialty restaurants and an over-the-top 77,000-square-foot-spa, in which you can literally spend hours. You can choose to stay in the jungle (for some peace and quiet) or beach-side at the masters’ suites, where no children are allowed. There is a personal trainer on hand, group classes, and plenty of activities from hiking to snorkeling, and it’s just a four hour flight from the greater New York area.  Are you sold yet?

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit: This sister property of Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a more affordable price tag, but you have to travel to the other side of Mexico to get there. That’s ok though, because once you arrive, you’ll find many of the same luxuries that you would get at Riviera Maya. Furthermore, Nayarit accepts SpaFinder gift certificates and is also offering a similar deal on accommodations: a nightly rate of around $350, which includes a master suite, airport transfers, a hydrotherapy ritual, a daily massage, workout programs, and all meals, snacks, and drinks! Sounds pretty tempting if you ask me.

Rancho La Puerta: This award-winning destination spa (a true, full-immersion spa experience) attracts a lot of singles and is reasonably priced, ($2,715 for 7 days). All meals are eaten at shared tables, so you never feel awkward being alone. The Ranch is located right over the border, in Tecate, Mexico, which is just east of San Diego. They’ll pick you up at the San Diego airport and drive you via bus directly to the Ranch. The trip is easy and uneventful, and quite picturesque. After crossing the border, it takes about five minutes to get to the Ranch!

We’ll have more to say about Mexico in the coming weeks, as our editors wrap-up their post-trip write-ups. In the meantime, check out the Spas of Mexico page on SpaFinder.com for more insider info.

Arriba Arriba!

Susie